The persistence of the Muslim rumor makes perfect sense. It's culturally impermissible for all but the most virulent racists to claim that they'd never vote for Obama because he's black. But in this post 9/11 age, it's perfectly fine in more settings than we'd care to admit to attack an individual for being a Muslim. Never mind that there's absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Obama secretly subscribes to this faith -- and ignore the fact that he's denied it again and again and again. The rumor continues to linger, and it's been accepted as fact by a sizable percentage of the electorate -- helping to give McCain and Palin a real chance to win in November during a year when the Republicans should be behind by double digits.

Littwin may be shocked by this prospect, but not me. And I've got an issue of Newsweek to thank. -- Michael Roberts

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